It was a magical run for the U22 Carillon Sultans, as the group fought and battled their way to a bronze medal at nationals, and in the process, Ryan Powers was named the offensive player of the tournament.
Team of brothers
"I'm just so proud of the guys," Powers said after taking a few days to reflect on what the team accomplished in Nova Scotia. "We just battled all year long, all tournament long. We played good ball all year."
Right from the start, the Sultans proved they were a team to fear, and with winning, came a lot of fun, according to Powers. "I mean, it was awesome. I've known a lot of these guys since I've been playing ball with Carillon, so like, since I was 13. It's really rewarding winning with not just your friends, but your brothers."
Bouncing back for bronze
Coming off a heart breaking defeat, it would have been easy to use it as an excuse and follow it up with a dud, but Powers says the group was too talented and had too much pride to hang their heads for long, responding by bringing home bronze. "It speaks to what kind of team we are. We're not going to hold our heads and think about a loss, we have short memories and bounced back really well."
Powering up
Powers isn't just coming back home with a medal, he's coming back with some individual honours, as well. "I won the Offensive Player of the Tournament," he says with a chuckle. "I was definitely not expecting that. I play college ball out in Kelowna, BC, and I only pitch there, but when I come back here, I hit. I had some success this weekend, thankfully."
Perhaps Kelowna is going to look at Powers and maybe he's earned a couple of at bats for the upcoming year. "Yeah, we'll see, maybe," he says with a laugh. "It felt good to contribute. I was a little worried about the swing for the tournament, because I competed in the home run derby, so I was worried my swing my be a little messed up from that, but I was able to come out and hit some baseballs."
As a pitcher, Powers admits swinging a bat is not usually something he works on throughout the year. "Honestly, not too much," he chuckle. "I get to the game, get loose, and just kind of swing and try and hit the ball."
Proudly Manitoban
Representing his home province at nationals, as well as college, is a real point of pride for Powers. "It means a lot. I know this is my second time representing Manitoba, and I know you're not just representing your team, you're representing your province, and the junior league. I know all the teams supported us throughout the tournament, and were rooting for us. It was great to have their support."
More Manitoba ball players are getting opportunities at higher levels, something Powers is thrilled about. "It's awesome," he says with an excited tone. "I love to see it. I feel like baseball is growing in Manitoba, which is great to see. Guys are advancing to the next level. Every summer, guys are coming back to our junior league, and it's getting a lot more competitive, which is always nice. Any given team can win on any night, which is really good."
Carillon success stories
This summer was a very successful one for the Carillon ball programs across multiple ages, and for Powers, he's encouraged by how many young, local players keep with the sport. "I love to see that Carillon is taking full strides. I know in previous years, we've have 15U or 18U champions, and from what I hear, numbers are growing in the Carillon Region. We're getting better every year, we're competing for provincial championships, and we're at the top of leagues every year. It's great, great to see."
Rest and relaxation, for a bit, anyways
After a long stretch of ball, Powers is going to relax, but he says not for too long. "Might take a week off, then get back onto a diamond, start throwing a little more. Heading back to Kelowna for another good season there."
Kelowna home run derby winner?
When he gets back, Powers is thinking he may have to challenge some teammates to a home run derby, see if he can earn some at bats, "I may just have to try," he says laughing. "I'm thinking about texting my coach, telling him I won some hardware. Might have to send some video, get me some at bats. I'm thinking about it, for sure."
Whether he's at the plate or on the mound, Ryan Powers has a community cheering him on as he continues to do great things in the name of the Carillon Sultans, and province of Manitoba.